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  • Arm of the Sphinx

  • The Books of Babel, Book 2
  • Written by: Josiah Bancroft
  • Narrated by: John Banks
  • Length: 14 hrs and 7 mins
  • 4.6 out of 5 stars (57 ratings)

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Arm of the Sphinx cover art

Arm of the Sphinx

Written by: Josiah Bancroft
Narrated by: John Banks
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Publisher's Summary

Senlin continues his ascent up the tower in the word-of-mouth phenomenon fantasy series about one man's dangerous journey through a labyrinthine world.

"One of my favorite books of all time" (Mark Lawrence on Senlin Ascends)

The Tower of Babel is proving to be as difficult to reenter as it was to break out of. Forced into a life of piracy, Senlin and his eclectic crew are struggling to survive aboard their stolen airship as the hunt to rescue Senlin's lost wife continues.

Hopeless and desolate, they turn to a legend of the Tower, the mysterious Sphinx. But help from the Sphinx never comes cheaply, and as Senlin knows, debts aren't always what they seem in the Tower of Babel. Time is running out, and now Senlin must choose between his friends, his freedom, and his wife.

Does anyone truly escape the Tower?

©2017 Josiah Bancroft (P)2018 Hachette Audio

What the critics say

"More than deserving of advance buzz and initial self-published success, Josiah Bancroft's Senlin Ascends is an early contender for year-end best lists, and a towering achievement in weird fantasy." (B&N Sci-Fi & Fantasy Blog on Senlin Ascends)

"Bancroft's world continues to teem with explosive energy, and he ranges ably from the transcendent to the vicious in an instant....This volume not only matches but adds to the notable achievements of the first." (Publishers Weekly, starred review)

"What is remarkable about this novel, quite apart from its rich, allusive prose, is Bancroft's portrayal of Senlin, a good man in a desperate situation, and the way he changes in response to his experiences in his ascent." (The Guardian on Senlin Ascends)

What listeners say about Arm of the Sphinx

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    3 out of 5 stars

Good, but feels like half a book

it's good, but smaller scale than the first. feels like half of a novel instead of a complete one like the first book was. narration remains excellent.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Great relationships amidst a grand story.

Love this story. Great character development. Reminds me of Firefly mashed up with LOTR. An endearing story.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Nice Evolution of the Characters and Story!

This part has more internal conflict. We also get to know more characters and watch their relationships grow. Prose is strongly voiced and rich without being overwrought or detracting. And then there's a line from Voleta early on in the book that had me laughing out loud. The ending of each book cracks the saga open more and more. About to start The Hod King…

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

As good or better than the first. An absolute win!

I absolutely loved this book! it was as good, if not better than the first. I am eager to start the next!

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Very enjoyable book!

This book, and this series, is surprisingly enjoyable! The narration by John Banks felt like the right choice for this book and helped put me in the world Josiah Bancroft had created. The story itself is wonderful and its ending left me waiting anxiously for the last book in the series. Well done Josiah! #Audible1

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Brings a fantastic story to life

I read the first book in this series, loved it and thought I would try the audio version for the second book. John Banks’ narration fit the world and characters I had envisioned when I read the first book. In fact, I like his performance so much that I am planning to listen to the first book as well. If you like steampunk adventure with a cast of interesting and complex characters, definitely give this series a listen. #Audible1

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